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Nicole's Guide to the Inside Passage

INSIDE PASSAGE, ALASKA

Most cruise travelers visiting Southeast Alaska stop in several ports along the Inside Passage, and one of the questions we hear all the time is: ‘What should we do while we’re in port?’ After years of welcoming visitors to Skagway and exploring these ports ourselves, I’ve put together my personal picks for making the most of your entire trip. Of course, I think Skagway is the highlight — but here are some ideas for your whole journey. - Nicole

E-bike riders exploring scenic Skagway waterfront with mountains in the background

Skagway Highlights E-Bike Tour

Why I Love This Tour

This little Gold Rush town is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and coastal wilderness — and just minutes from the cruise dock, you’ll find quiet roads and historic sites most visitors never see. Our e-bike tour is one of the easiest and most fun ways to explore it all. We’ll take you past Centennial Park, the Gold Rush Cemetery, Lower Reid Falls, and up to the City Overlook for views you won’t forget. It’s the real Skagway, not just the cruise dock. 

Humpback whale breaching near a whale watching boat in Juneau's Auke Bay

Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Why I Love This Tour

Juneau is surrounded by glaciers and rainforest, and it’s one of the best places on the Inside Passage for wildlife and glacier viewing. This tour combines two of the region’s most iconic experiences in one outing — you’ll spot whales, sea lions, and eagles on the water before visiting one of Alaska’s most famous glaciers. It’s the kind of day that makes people fall in love with Alaska. 

Tlingit totem poles at Saxman Native Village in Ketchikan, Alaska

Saxman Native Village & Lumberjack Show

Why I Love This Tour

Ketchikan is known for its rich Native culture, colorful waterfront history, and deep ties to Alaska’s fishing industry. This tour takes you to Saxman Native Village to see one of the largest collections of standing totem poles in Alaska and learn about the traditions of the Tlingit people. Then you’ll head to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show for a high-energy competition that’s pure Alaska fun. It’s culture and entertainment in one perfect afternoon. 

Sea kayakers paddling through calm waters of Sitka Sound with forested islands

Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure

Why I Love This Tour

Sitka feels different from the other Inside Passage ports — quieter, wilder, and surrounded by forested islands and open ocean. This kayak tour takes you paddling through calm waters where sea otters, bald eagles, and sometimes even whales are commonly spotted. It’s a peaceful and unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s wildlife and scenery right from the water. 

A Final Tip From Nicole

Cruising through Southeast Alaska is one of the most beautiful trips you can take. Every port has something unique to offer, but one piece of advice I give every guest is this: get a little beyond the main cruise dock if you can.

Whether it’s riding bikes outside Skagway, kayaking in Sitka, or watching whales in Juneau, those experiences are the ones travelers remember long after their cruise ends.

And when you’re in Skagway, we’ll see you on the bikes.

Nicole Goodman is the owner of Klondike Electric Bicycles, a locally operated tour company in Skagway that helps visitors explore Alaska’s historic Gold Rush town and surrounding wilderness by e-bike. After first arriving in Skagway on a cruise and falling in love with the community, Nicole eventually made the town home and built a business focused on giving travelers a more personal way to experience the region.

Through guided rides, local storytelling, and carefully curated routes beyond the busy cruise dock, Nicole and her team introduce thousands of visitors each season to the landscapes, history, and culture that make Skagway unique. She is also an active voice in the Alaska cruise travel community, helping travelers plan their trips and sharing trusted recommendations for experiences throughout the Inside Passage.

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Written by: Nicole
Owner, Klondike Electric Bicycles
I'm Nicole Goodman, and I'm proud to call Skagway, Alaska, my home and the base for my local ventures. Through Klondike Electric Bicycles, I've merged my love for our rugged frontier with a modern, eco-friendly way to explore it. Whether you're a local or just passing through, my goal is to help you get off the beaten path and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Klondike at your own pace.
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All of our content at Alaska Shore Tours is written by experienced travel writers who have visited all of the locations we recommend. And our review board of local tourism experts ensure that all the information we provide is accurate, current and helpful

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